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April 3, 2018
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The Update | April 3, 2018
News from the Industry
The Pennsylvania State Senate judiciary committee unanimously advanced anti-hazing legislation proposed by the Senate majority leader in response to last year’s death of Timothy Piazza. The legislation includes significantly harsher penalties for those responsible for hazing, and it also includes a controversial forfeiture clause with implications for fraternity and sorority property. The full Senate is expected to take up the measure upon their return from Easter recess, and the Senate majority leader is already conferring with colleagues in the House about companion legislation. Coverage is available in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, NBC News, and The Sentinel.
The judge overseeing the trial for the fraternity members accused in the hazing death of Timothy Piazza again dismissed the most serious charges against the five fraternity men. Fewer than 20 allegations—mostly for alcohol violations and single counts of conspiracy to committee hazing—will be permitted to advance as the trial continues. Coverage is widespread, with stories in The Washington Post and Reuters.
Florida State University (FSU) is lifting its self-imposed five-month ban on alcohol for all recognized student organizations, according to USA Today. FSU President John Thrasher suspended all fraternities and sororities and cracked down on alcohol on campus days after the Nov. 3 death of Pi Kappa Phi pledge Andrew Coffey. Thrasher lifted some restrictions in January. Now, all organizations must complete risk management training if they plan to host events with alcohol, said FSU Vice President for Student Affairs Amy Hecht.
April Is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
In 2017, we announced our partnership with It’s On Us as an inaugural member of their Greek Leadership Council (GLC). This year, in addition to the It’s On Us Week of Action, there will be a Greek Day of Action. While this effort is primarily about engaging our undergraduate members, it also includes social media and partnership with other fraternities and sororities on campus. We invite our alumnae members and volunteers to engage with us online by using hashtag #ItWasAwkwardBut to share actions you’ve taken to be an active bystander against sexual assault and by sharing social media posts from Kappa Alpha Theta and It’s On Us.
Since October, millions of people have bravely used the hashtag #MeToo to come forward and share their stories of being sexually assaulted or harassed. As a result, we’ve seen more direct action against perpetrators and, in turn, survivors being believed and supported, which is a crucial first step in changing cultural attitudes toward sexual violence.
In 2016, It’s On Us created an “It’s On Us Heroes” video campaign. One of the videos features three women who engaged in acts of bystander intervention to stop a sexual assault. One of the women, who followed the potential victim to the bathroom to alert her of what was happening, states, “It was awkward, but…” Sexual violence is a difficult and sensitive topic to talk about, but we can only make a real culture change and witness direct outcomes by keeping the issue at the forefront.
The It’s On Us GLC wants to hear what our members have done to prevent sexual assault and to change campus or community culture. During Sexual Assault Awareness Month, It’s On Us and the It’s On Us GLC will launch the #ItWasAwkwardBut campaign on the Greek Day of Action, April 3, 2018.
2018 Emerging leaders Institute (ELI)
ELI provides leadership education and development to Theta’s undergraduate members. The curriculum focuses on increasing skill development and understanding leadership as a relational process.
Two sessions will be held this summer at DePauw University in Greencastle, Ind.
- Session 1: July 12-15
- Session 2: July 19-22
Do you know an emerging leader who would benefit from attending ELI? Please send her this link (login required for the application) to the ELI page on the Theta website where she can view more information and apply. Contact Assistant Directors of Education and Leadership Ellen Barlow or Victoria Stankus with any questions about ELI.
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